Guernsey’s Shows What’s Behind Those Storied Chelsea Doors

NEW YORK CITY — A passionate crowd filled every inch of both the Ricco/Maresca and Flowers galleries on April 12 as Guernsey’s conducted an unprecedented auction of 52 doors removed from New York City’s landmark Chelsea Hotel. A homeless man had rescued the doors from demolition and then spent years researching links between these doors and the iconic people who once had lived behind them.

In a selfless gesture, the man pledged half of his proceeds to City Harvest, the nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding those in need.

Though well-worn and complete with cracks and chips, the doors clearly reflected on the legacy of the storied Chelsea Hotel, which is currently undergoing an extensive restoration.

The event attracted a vast, international audience as media coverage circled the globe. As repeated applause interrupted the sale, it became clear that at a time of great political divisiveness, this auction touched many hearts.